Kansas named one of ‘Great Colleges to Work For’

By Deepa Sampat

Friday, July 18, 2008

The teaching environment and sense of pride toward the institution were two of the reasons the University was named one of the “Great Colleges to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

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The University was named as a top five university in the following categories for large universities (2,500 or more employees)

Healthy Faculty-Administration Relations — Senior leadership communicated with and respects faculty members

Collaborative Governance — Faculty members are appropriately involved in decisions related to academic programs

Teaching Environment — Faculty members say the institution recognizes innovative and high-quality teaching

Facilities and Security — Appearance of the campus is pleasing, and the institution takes steps to provide a secure environment

Work-Life Balance — Policies give employees the flexibility to manage their personal lives

Internal Communications — Ideas are fully considered and issues debated for better results

Connection to Institution and Pride — Employees have a strong sense of loyalty to the institution

Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship — Supervisor makes expectations clear and solicits ideas

Perception and Confidence in Fair Treatment — Confidence in fair treatment, particularly regarding compensation and performance

Respect and Appreciation — Employees are regularly recognized for contributions

Policies, Resources and Efficiency — Institution is well run and prepares employees to be effective

Engagement Index — The emotional connection employees have to an institution

“This recognition confirms what we know — KU is a great place to be,” Chancellor Robert Hemenway said in a statement. “And it is a tribute to our community of students, faculty and staff who create and support the KU environment.”

Helen Alexander, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, was featured on the cover of the magazine, which came out July 14. She said the magazine was looking through file photos and selected one of her.

“Honestly, I have no special involvement in the story,” she said. “I do think KU is a great pace to work and is deserving.”

Alexander cited the University’s faculty, staff, students and facility as top reasons she liked working for the University.

After looking at the criteria for the survey, Mary Klayder, University honors lecturer, wasn’t surprised that the University made the list.

“I think the size of the town and the sense of community helps you integrate your personal life and professional life,” Klayder said.

Klayder said she also thought that the University let faculty explore their interests.

“I’ve carved out a niche of what I’ve really liked to do and received complete support from the University,” she said, noting that she had created two study abroad programs and was encouraged by the University to do so. “If something strikes your fancy there seems to be a lot of support.”

The survey was based on responses of more than 15,000 administrators, faculty and staff members of 89 universities. The University was named top five in 12 out of 27 categories for large universities.

— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld

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